Exclusive: Rangers line up ready-made replacement for Windass as bid expected

Rangers are battling with several English Championship clubs for free agent David Cotterill, Football Insider sources understand.

Cotterill, 30, is a free agent after leaving Birmingham City last month and Scottish giants Rangers have expressed an interest in the winger as they consider possible replacements for the in-demand Josh Windass.

Rangers have already rejected bids from Sheffield United, Preston North End and Wigan Athletic for Windass during this month’s transfer window, but the Ibrox side are bracing themselves for a fresh offer for Windass and they have earmarked Cotterill as a ready-made replacement.

The former Swansea City and Sheffield United man has been on Rangers’ radar for a while as Graeme Murty looks to strengthen his squad at Ibrox.

Cotterill is weighing up his options after leaving Birmingham and the 30-year-old is an attractive proposition for club due to his availability on a free transfer.

The likes of Derby County, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Ipswich and Queens Park Rangers are all weighing up moves for the Wales international as they look bolster their attacking options for the second half of the season.

Cotterill boasts a wealth of experience having made over 400 appearances in his career and won 24 caps for Wales.